What is GERD? It Could Be Your Chronic Nighttime Heartburn!

What is GERD? It's really what happens when the liquid substance held in the stomach "refluxes" or backs up, known medically as regurgitation, into the patient's esophagus. That liquid, because it contains so much acid and bile, used for digestion, can then damage the lining and inflame the esophagus.

GERD is referred to as a chronic condition, which simply means that once it is begun, a person ordinarily suffers from it for life. The esophagus itself can be healed if any damage is shown, however, each time GERD returns, the chances are greater of more extensive damage to the esophagus.

Medically, it is often debated whether or not those who suffer from GERD could possibly have more of the liquid mentioned above, namely acid. There is a thought that since everyone experiences bouts of indigestion yet do not have damage to their esophagus as those with GERD do, that perhaps it is the very "amount" of acid or even "type" of acid that's causing the harm.

On the other hand, the amazing human body creates its own "medicine" to take care of this problem by making saliva. Saliva contains bicarbonate, thanks to our salivary glands, which then neutralizes the acid as it is washed down back into the stomach, thus preventing damage once more. This explains why the symptoms are much worse during the night as the person sleeps. While sleeping, the abundance of saliva that's produced during the day is basically put on hold. Thus, the neutralizing effects of the saliva are also put on hold, and the person exhibits what is GERD.

Many people suffer from GERD. It is thought that perhaps four out of five nighttime heartburn sufferers do! Stopping or lessening heartburn is highly suggested. There are many hints that have evolved through the years that sometimes help.

For example, because acid is one of the compounding problems, limit the about of acidic foods you eat. This includes tomatoes, vinegar, oranges and grapefruits. If chili peppers or even pepper itself causes problems, cut back on those spices. Remain in a standing or sitting position for at least three hours after eating, to give those salivary glands a chance to work for you. Keep in mind that greasy foods encourage heartburn, thus you would be wise to avoid those. Some people have to experiment to find what foods give them heartburn, and then cut back on those. Commonly those might be chocolate, alcohol, caffeine-laden drinks, or catsup and mustard.

Raising the head of your bed by at least six inches can sometimes be of assistance, as does chewing gum in the evenings, which encourages the production of that helpful saliva mentioned above. Above all try to keep your weight down, and drink plenty of water. Remember what your trigger foods are, and do not try to eat them, regardless of how appetizing they may seem.

If you sufferer from chronic nighttime heartburn, please see your physician. The damage you cause left untreated, perhaps could have been avoided by understanding what is GERD.